Deaths, criminal charges against police chief slows down review of Thunder Bay Police Service

The findings of his systemic examination of the relationship between Indigenous people and the Thunder Bay Police Service will not be ready until the end of 2017, says Independent Police Review Director of Ontario (OIPRD), Gerrry McNeilly.

• Thunder Bay, Ont., police face 'systemic review' of Indigenous death investigations

"I would say it's a relationship in crisis," said McNeilly, who had hoped to make some recommendations by this fall, about a year after the process began in October 2016.

However recent events, including the deaths of two First Nations teenagers in May, and criminal charges against Thunder Bay police chief J.P. Levesque for allegedly disclosing confidential information about the city's mayor, will delay the final report.

'I'll continue to do my job'

"But I what I want to assure everyone is the fact the chief is facing criminal charges has no bearing on me carrying out my systemic review in Thunder Bay. I'll continue to do my job," said McNeilly.

The review of Thunder Bay police grew from issues raised through the complaints Indigenous people were filing with OIPRD office.

There is still cause for concern, stated McNeilly pointing to the recent deaths of 17-year-old Tammy Keeash and 14-year-old Josiah Begg, whose cases are now being included in his review.

• Nothing criminal about Tammy Keeash's 'tragic' death, say police in Thunder Bay, Ont.

• Body of teen Josiah Begg found in Thunder Bay, Ont., river

The bodies of both First Nations teenagers were found earlier this month, at separate times, in a Thunder Bay river.

Investigations not 'thorough'

"The investigations don't seem to be, in my opinion, being carried out in a full and thorough manner."

With respect to Tammy Keeash, "I believe the investigation should be continuing," he said, adding he felt police could have done more during the search for Josiah Begg as well.

Prior to the discovery of the teen's body on May 18, First Nations officials asked police to step up their efforts.

Earlier that day, a news release from Thunder Bay police stated "this is not the time to point fingers."

I am not going to speed it up and take any shortcuts.- Gerry McNeilly, Indpendent Police Review Director of Ontario

McNeilly said he would have liked police to respond more positively, suggesting they could have asked "how can we work together, what can we do to assist in this search?"

There had been plans for McNeilly to speak with the police chief, who is now on medical leave, about these issues, butthat avenue of inquiry is closed because of the pending court case against Levesque.

However, despite the difficulties and delays, McNeilly said he is forging ahead with his review.

"I am not going to speed it up and take any shortcuts. I want to do a very full and thorough job of my review so we can make some very solid and good recommendations to bring some healing to the community of Thunder Bay."